Search scenario in Venezuela still awaits survivors, says expert

The search for survivors of the earthquakes that hit Venezuela enters its second week, with thousands of people still missing under the rubble. The scenario, according to risk analysis specialist Gerardo Portela to CNN 360°, is one of reduced, but not zero, hope of finding victims alive.

Portela explained that the most favorable period for rescues has passed. "We have a window that we call the golden window, where you have the majority of victims who are rescued, the greatest probability of finding someone alive, which is the first 72 hours", he stated.

With nine days having passed since the tremors, rescue teams are now working mainly to recover bodies and eventually find what the expert called "miracles."

Pockets of survival in the rubble
Despite the adverse scenario, Portela highlighted that it is still possible to find survivors in extreme situations. "It is possible to form a pocket or bubble with enough water, sometimes even with food and ventilation, to maintain life, even in precarious conditions," he explained.

According to him, people can remain in the rubble without serious bleeding injuries, which keeps teams working in the hope of finding this type of survivor.

The expert also drew attention to the phenomenon of aftershocks. According to Portela, more than 782 earthquakes were recorded after the two main tremors, both with a magnitude above 7 points.

This factor further complicates the actions of rescue teams, who need to carefully assess structural risks before authorizing anyone, including firefighters, to enter the rubble.

Risk to civilians in the rubble
Images captured by drones showed civilians entering severely damaged buildings in search of belongings, pets or relatives. For Portela, the risk in these situations is high.

"The risk is really high for these people who are trying to rescue objects, sometimes hoping to find a pet, or even a relative or a body on their own, without the technical support that is necessary to do this type of rescue", he warned.

The expert highlighted that professional teams carry out a detailed structural analysis of the scenario before any intervention, taking into account elements that could collapse and the risks of new aftershocks.

He also highlighted that the use of drones, even by amateurs, has contributed to facilitating operations, as "a view from above can greatly facilitate rescue and can show a lot about the risk".

Health crisis as a growing threat
In addition to the immediate challenges of the rescue, Portela warned of a second, equally worrying scenario: the health crisis. With more than 50,000 people missing and the country's infrastructure already weakened before the earthquakes, the expert assessed that the situation could worsen significantly.

According to Portela, the tremors caused damage to the water distribution network, water mains and supply pumps, also compromising the supply of electricity necessary for the operation of treatment plants.

"I think that today the health issue is the main one, because this could become a much more serious problem, with several diseases, lack of food, lack of medicine, lack of infrastructure, all in one package post-seismic event", he concluded. The expert emphasized that the situation demands external logistical support, coming from other countries and regions, to face the continually worsening scenario.

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Source: CNN